The Philadelphia Eagles are taking it easy this week, choosing maintenance and sharpening their schemes, against hard practices and the risk of more injuries. On Friday the Eagles gave the team some more rest, while Doug Pederson addressed the media, confirming that the Birds will likely be without a couple of defensive starters against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

He confirmed that safety Avonte Maddox (knee) is “getting close” to a return but will be out on Sunday, while Jalen Mills (foot) and linebacker Jordan Hicks (calf) is still “a ways away” in their recovery.

Maddox and Hicks’s both have missed the Eagles’ last two games, while Mills has missed the previous four.